Kliff Kingsbury doesn’t think WR DeAndre Hopkins will play vs. Chiefs
Aug 18, 2021, 12:32 PM
GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals saw the return of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins back out on the practice field Wednesday.
He wasn’t quite a full participant, however, as the team works to get him back from “something minor.”
“He didn’t do too much, we’re easing him back in,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday. “But he’s feeling better and he’ll be full-go — I don’t think he’ll go this week — but he’ll be full-go for next week’s practice.”
Last season, Hopkins led the Cardinals in receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,407).
Like a lot of the team’s starters, Hopkins watched from the sideline as the Cardinals beat the Dallas Cowboys 19-16 in their first preseason action of the year.
Even if he were at “full-go” as Kingsbury mentioned, the likelihood he would even play a series this Friday seemed low despite the Kansas City Chiefs saying they were hoping to give their starters a full half of work or somewhere around there.
“We’re gonna do what’s best for us, they’ll do what’s best for them,” Kingsbury said. “But that won’t change our plan.”
With Hopkins out, backups KeeSean Johnson and Antoine Wesley could see extended reps with the offense come Friday.
Johnson caught one of his three targets for 15 yards against the Cowboys, while Wesley did not play in the team’s preseason opener.